In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong

In a residential neighbourhood next to the Tianhe district in central Guangzhou, an empty corner lot has been transformed into both a co-working office and a café.

Interior design firm LUKSTUDIO was given a simple brief to create these two distinct spaces in a minimalistic style. Minimalistic design projects are rare in China, let alone a city such as Guangzhou. So this project stands out with its series of clean white volumes, which is a bold contrast within the existing context.

A BOXED SET
The multifunctional lot is organised into four boxes, each containing distinct spaces for socialising and working: café, brainstorming area, meeting room and breakout lounge.

From the outside, a floating aluminium canopy connects the stark white boxes, while delineating between the old and the new. The in-between areas are the ‘voids’ painted in grey—the one between the café box and the brainstorming box is an alley that connects to the street; the other in-between space is the working area in the office.

Various openings and niches are carved within these spaces, such as white ceiling pockets and wooden niches. Large cut-outs connect the café to the exterior, while a carved niche at the office entry showcases a small stone garden within the meeting space.

SPACE AND SIMPLICITY
The materials used further define the different spaces. The main space sports smooth surfaces such as white walls and terrazzo flooring, while the brainstorming box is lined with polycarbonate panels that subtly connects the café and the workplace. Timber panels and brick walls create intimate areas.

The designer’s strategy was to light up the spaces with as much indirect lighting as possible. The chosen lighting fixtures, such as the string lights and pendant lamps, are simple and elegant.

The furniture used throughout is generally soft in colour, with pastel-toned and natural wood chairs and lacquered white wood tables, with clean, simple lines.

By combining artisanal café culture with a coworking space, the once-forgotten site has been transformed into a destination spot that enhances the surrounding community.

PROJECT DATA
Project Name: In and Between Boxes: Atelier Peter Fong
Location: 42, Huakang Street, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Completion Date: September 2016
Client/Owner/Developer:Atelier Peter Fong
Gross Floor Area: 250 square metres
Interior Design Firm:LUKSTUDIO
Images: Dirk Weiblen